Question

Phosgene is formed slowly from which one of the following on exposure air and sunlight?

• A. $CHC{l}_3$
• B. $H_{3}CCl$
• C. $H_{3}COH$
• D. $C_2{H}_{5}Cl$

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

$CHC{l}_3$

Phosgene is formed slowly from which one of the following on exposure air and sunlight.
$CHC{l}_3+O_2\to COC{l}_2+HCl.$
Chloroform, though dangerous on its own due to toxicity and carcinogenicity concerns, can form dangerous phosgene over time.
Phosgene $\left(COC{l}_2\right)$ is a toxic gas/liquid used as a chemical warfare agent during WWI. Phosgene can form in chloroform as it is exposed to oxygen and amounts of UV light (although UV light is not always necessary if catalytic contaminants are present). Phosgene has a characteristic odor of cut hay.